12 Naughty Days of Christmas 2020

by Megan McCoy

  Everyone knew that Iver was rightfully upset that Illayda had placed herself in danger, but it was hard to disregard the hurt look when she tried to advance toward him and he dismissed her to his brother’s care. Quinn was well aware of how cold Iver could be when he felt wronged. Although, he hadn’t seen it in a long time.

  Iver’s command to Quinn came low and filled with disgust. “Get her mounted on my horse.”

  Quinn hesitated, before he advanced.

  Iver was making a statement by asking his brother to take her, and the message wasn’t lost on anyone.

  “Illayda, take my hand,” Quinn said calmly, reaching out and forcing her back from the other world she seemed to be in. Tears were streaming from her eyes as she just looked pleadingly to Iver, for any sign of love or forgiveness, but Quinn knew it was far too soon.

  She shook her head at his voice, like his words had broken the spell and propelled her back to reality. Forcing her eyes to shift from Iver, she focused on Quinn and obeyed.

  Lutta approached his furious son-in-law.

  Iver’s large arms crossed across his chest, as he conveyed his displeasure with his eyes. “How could you not send word she was coming here?” he asked angrily. “You are overly indulgent with her, and I’ve been understanding, but this?”

  “I wasn’t sure she’d come at first,” Lutta replied respectfully. “Her mother and I were going to come to Bear Claw today and save her the journey. Then, the fates changed. I came to head her off as soon as I realized.”

  “You need to stop encouraging her recklessness, old man,” Iver said sternly. His voice was commanding, he was speaking more as king than as Illayda’s husband. “I am her husband and I make her rules. I’ll not have you undermining me because you think you know better.”

  Lutta had the decency to look ashamed of himself. He knew he had been indulgent with her, because he finally had her in his life. However, if he truly loved her, Iver was right, he had to be firmer about her carelessness when her spirit acted too freely. Lutta trusted Iver to love his daughter and loving her meant enforcing rules that she didn’t necessarily want.

  Lowering his head in contrition, Lutta offered a sincere apology. “You are right, Your Majesty. I will concede to your judgement. I have overstepped and promise it will not happen again.”

  Heatedly, Iver gave his father-in-law and mentor a hard look. It conveyed his anger and his warning that he was going to hold him to that promise, but it also showed he would look past the mistake and they could move forward.

  Respectfully, Lutta bowed his head, and Iver turned to walk to his mounted wife. Sliding up behind her, his arms weren’t gentle as he claimed control of the reins.

  For a moment, everyone thought that Iver was just going to leave without saying anything to the others.

  Jai and Odin exchanged worried glances to each other before walking to their mounts.

  “You both can gather the wolves. Their meat will insure there is plenty of food for our people,” Iver said pointing a stern finger in their direction.

  Neither spoke, but hurried to do the king’s bidding. They knew that would most likely not be the end of Iver’s punishment. However, if they complied easily, they hoped for leniency.

  Lutta stood silent, waiting for them to depart, but Iver spoke to him, too, before leaving. “I expect you and Willow Pellor in the village tomorrow. Our plans have changed for tonight, but the Solstice will still proceed as planned.”

  Lutta lowered his head again, to show he was obedient to the king’s wishes. “We thank you for your gracious generosity. I look forward to it, Your Majesty.”

  Iver never faltered in his determined anger. If he let them off too easily, they’d dismiss his justified anger and probably do something this foolish again. He had full intention of not glossing over the seriousness of what his wife had so neglectfully done, with Lutta’s silent compliance.

  The punishment had to be felt deeper than the flesh he would make burn beneath the rise and fall of his leather, he had to pierce her heart and consciousness as well. His outright disappointment would be difficult for either Lutta or Illayda to swallow, and that was why he had to firmly stand by his convictions.

  Heading for the covered path that would guide them home, Iver spurred his horse forward, as the convulsive sobs of his wife were felt beneath the anchoring arm holding her to his chest. He didn’t speak to her, or offer any comfort in his touch the entire ride back.

  Quinn ordered the hunters who had arrived with them to stay and assist Jai and Odin, while he returned to the village with Iver and Illayda. He’d need to send pigeons to the border camps to tell them of the successful extermination of most of the pack.

  Once the celebrations were over, he’d make his rounds. However, he suspected Iver would grant his permission to remain in the village to spend the next few days with Lenah. He just had to time his request after Iver calmed down.

  The villagers were all busy preparing their own little traditions as the king and queen rode in. It was hard not to feel the excitement, and Iver nodded to those who waved merrily. Illayda tried to appear smiling as well, even though inside she was a mess of nerves. The time was fast approaching for Iver to have her alone and she didn’t expect that to go well.

  Dismounting by the barns, Iver tethered the reins in his hand as he led his horse to the boys in charge of feeding, watering and taking overall care of the animals. He handed one the reins before turning to reach for his wife.

  Illayda obediently sank down, trying to hide the tears that had reddened her eyes and cheeks.

  “Happy Solstice, Your Highnesses,” the lad said joyfully.

  “Happy Solstice, Nathaniel,” Illayda replied, surprising Iver that she knew the boy’s name.

  The boy was pleased that the queen responded by recognizing him, which was clear by the massive grin and blush he gave while lowering his head in respect.

  “Are you excited for the Great Fire?” Illayda asked, engaging the boy, who was clearly bursting with anticipation.

  “Yes, I think my mother will let me come this year. I’ve been practicing my drumming,” he replied enthusiastically.

  Iver allowed her to indulge the boy, remembering his own excitement at that age.

  However, when he grasped her hand, she realized the time for talking was over. “Well, I look forward to hearing it. Will you promise to play me some?”

  Iver smiled, as the boy looked to him then, and replied, “Of course, Your Highness. If his Majesty will permit me.”

  Iver winked. “My wife and I look forward to it, Nathaniel. We will see you tomorrow at the fire.”

  Leading Illayda away, with a hand at her back, they walked the short path toward the main hut that led to Peetohwah. Most only offered kind greetings, busy with their tasks and making efficient use of the shortened daylight hours.

  Iver acknowledged them politely, but continued walking with enough stride to indicate he was preoccupied and didn’t want to casually mingle, like he frequently did.

  Illayda stopped when they veered right, instead of continuing to their assumed destination. She swallowed hard, as Iver tugged her to urge her feet to also move in the dreaded direction.

  “Iver, please,” she choked out, trying to drag her heavy feet.

  He didn’t speak, just slung her over his shoulder when she refused to be obedient.

  Fearing what was about to happen, she allowed the tears to begin anew.

  Opening the door to the punishment hut, he didn’t set her down until they were near the wall anchored with restraints.

  “Iver, please, I’m sorry. I know I should have told you,” Illayda said frantically as he fastened her wrists to the leather bindings at the wall. “I should have told Jai and Odin I didn’t have permission to go, and not have asked them to take me.”

  Silence.

  “I know you must punish me, but please stop holding back the words you wish to say. I’m sorrier you’re so disgusted by me that you can’t even spe
ak to me,” she cried, now unable to turn and face him, since she was secured by the bindings.

  Still silent, he turned, and she heard his heavy-booted footsteps march back to the door, and then close it with an ominous click.

  Gulping down fear and self-loathing, she ached to hear his love words again. He was normally not so disciplined with his tongue.

  The heavy footsteps began again behind her, and she heard the swish of his cape being slung over something as he approached. Dread coiled in her stomach like a cold snake, as his hands were placed over hers and he leaned in.

  The wall of the hut was stone, and although mindful of her protruding belly, he wanted her pressed to it to know beyond any shadow of a doubt, he was in full control of what was happening. “What have you got to say for yourself?” Iver hissed lowly, positioning his mouth so it was at her ear. “What was so important for you that you dared to leave the village, without a word to me?”

  Illayda swallowed back her shame, as his tone cut deeply. “I didn’t know about the wolves. I thought I could get to Mother and Lutta’s camp without much fuss,” she confessed through freefalling tears.

  “How many times must I tell you the woods are dangerous?” Iver stated, not looking for an actual answer. “They are filled with animals who are unforgiving and unappreciative of who you are.”

  It was true. To a predator, any meat was a meal.

  “I took Jai and Odin for that very reason,” she answered. “I knew that I could not go alone.”

  Iver sobered, she was right, he couldn’t argue that. He left a pregnant pause. A part of him felt like he was about to break and start crying, as the true realization of what could have happened hit him in the face like ice water.

  Biting back a threatening sob, he turned away from her. “I remember the first time I saw you,” he said, beginning the story. “You were alone by the riverbank that separates Willow Kye land and the Wall.”

  Illayda had no idea where this was leading, but she wisely remained silent.

  “I thought you were the most incredible creature I had ever seen. So beautiful; so full of adventure and freedom; both of which I was forbidden to have.”

  Iver’s words resonated with her. She hadn’t heard this story before, but she was curious why he was telling her now.

  “You knelt, to sharpen a spear. Completely confident you were alone, and completely oblivious to how close you came that day to dying.” Iver’s voice was filled with emotion. “You waded in the water for a while, catching a few fish who were unlucky enough to swim by you. I was on one of my first missions at the Wall, and you captivated me with your resourcefulness and spirit. Still do, if I’m being honest.”

  Again, he paused, and she waited, just staring at the hut’s wall as he recounted the moment so vividly, she almost believed she was there.

  “A bear, you hadn’t seen was stalking you from behind, and you didn’t even sense him,” Iver explained. “I shot him dead, when he dared to not maintain his distance, and you screamed as the body fell over behind you with an arrow between the eyes.”

  Illayda’s eyes grew large at the memory. She remembered that day well, because it was such a fright to have the bear fall dead from an arrow she hadn’t seen coming.

  “You see, my love, it hasn’t been just Lutta who has been looking out for you all these years.” He choked up, and then hardened his voice. “Fate has a way of altering what happens in our lives, but counting on it as the only thing that determines our existence is wrong. Lutta might have the gift of sight, but our lives are not predetermined. We need to remain vigilant to the world around us and not tempt fate that tragedy will not touch us. That is our own responsibility.

  “Each breath we take, we make choices. Some good, some bad. Some we know will make us well and some will cause our demise.”

  Illayda listened intently.

  “Lutta is great, but even he cannot tempt fate. You could have been killed today. You and our child, so I need you to understand, while I love who you are, I won’t tolerate you acting recklessly and getting yourself killed. The punishment I am here to give you, is to reinforce being accountable for your actions. Nothing is worth jeopardizing the limited time we get to roam this feral island as mates in this life. When you act and think that Lutta can always save you, you need to stop and ask what you can do to keep from me having to journey this existence alone. Being aware, being kind, and being respectful to those who might know more than you, is essential. Now, that said, bottom out and think about how close you came to being taken from me.”

  His words bore merit.

  Illayda thought about the seriousness of her actions, as with one foul swat, she felt the sting of a cane above her covered backside, and then multiple lines of fire leaving welts on her flesh again and again.

  Iver was relentless, as he spanked the cane against her. He left her clothes because of the coolness in the hut and her delicate state; however, he got his point across when she passed her threshold for pain around the eighth stinging connection.

  Crying and trying to break free when the pain became too strong, she listened as he scolded. His voice broke a few times, indicating how upset he was about nearly losing her, and how punishing her there, seemed like him promising himself that she’d be more mindful of her safety, going forward.

  He needed her to engrave it in her memory, and stroke after stroke of fiery pain, she howled, promising she’d never do anything so foolish again.

  “Happy Solstice, everyone!” Iver exclaimed standing in front of the brush to make the Great Fire in the entrance of Peetohwah. Many villagers had joined the king and queen inside, and there was a happy energy amongst the crowd.

  Lifting the torch, Iver summoned the drummers and sang a hymn for the safety of Insula and her people. The villages of the Wood Lord people and Willow Kye, were combined at last and free to express their happiness about living together in peace.

  Illayda clapped proudly in the direction of Nathaniel, who was banging his drum as hard as he could to show off his skills to those present. Irae and Zyon had joined Iver and Illayda as the three brothers walked ceremoniously to torch the pyre.

  “Hundreds of years in darkness our people have been separated,” Iver said loudly. “Now we stand as one, for the betterment of all. May the joy of the Solstice bring you continued prosperity. Now eat, drink and dance your fill, for tonight is the observance of our everlasting friendship.”

  A large cheer shouted from the crowd, as some eager dancers began to move to the rhythm of the drums.

  Zyon leaned down and kissed Irae’s head, producing a hand-made cradle from behind his back for their child due that spring.

  Owna and Taya clapped with glee, excited to finally see what he had been working on. His craftmanship was exquisite and he beamed when they all praised his incredible talent for detailing.

  Irae cried at the detailed artistry. They didn’t have a cradle of their own, only ones tucked away from previous children that became antique pieces. Seeing and touching, it made the baby inside of her more real. With Lily and Lucca, she had never felt like they were real until she saw her stomach grow or felt their kicks, but looking at the tiny cot that would soon be occupied, tears swam freely in her eyes.

  In return, Irae produced for Zyon a hand-embroidered vest with their initials sewn in. When he slipped it on she saw him wipe a happy tear from his own eye as he thanked her for the thoughtful gesture.

  Taya and Jai had snuck off to a quiet part of the village and exchanged with Syza and Ardjan. They all preferred less flamboyant shows of affection, but returned to the group when comfortable to do so.

  Iver and Illayda danced happily around the fire, while others exchanged their gifts. It was customary for them to exchange gifts last. When it was time Iver said, “Close your eyes, my love, and stick out your hands.”

  Illayda did, as Iver retrieved his present from behind his back. Sliding something onto her arm, Iver smiled as he said, “All right, open them.”
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  With a squeal, Illayda recognized her favorite bracelets, the ones that she had told Iver’s parrot to say Syza could have, her first forty-eight hours in Bear Claw. Syza had negotiated a nice size dowry for herself, but Iver felt it was worth it to see the appreciation on his wife’s face when she realized what they were.

  “Oh, thank you!” she shrieked, recognizing them immediately. “I thought they were gone forever.”

  Looking to Syza and raising her wrists, Illayda beamed with gratefulness. Syza clearly was fine with parting with them, even though Illayda knew she had coveted them since she was old enough to speak. Having them back meant a lot to her, and before the emotion completely took control, she ran over and gave Syza a warm hug for the gesture.

  Both women hugged and laughed and cried before being broken up by Lenah who said, “I just gave Quinn his present.”

  Illayda wasn’t sure if she could guess or not what it was. Tilting her head, she wanted to say what she was thinking, but if she was wrong, she didn’t want to hurt her friend.

  Looking back to Quinn, the women smiled, as he held up a tiny, knitted pair of socks and a hat.

  “So, does that mean what I think it means?” Irae asked, trying to not show too much excitement, just in case.

  Quinn nodded; grateful he could finally say something out loud. “Yes. We are pregnant too. Seems there is something in the water.”

  Crudely, Owna said, “Well, it clearly is a lack of something being kept in the trousers.”

  Jai narrowed his glare to his mother-in-law. “Owna.”

  The others laughed readily.

  Food, drinks and a new baby, Illayda thought happily. Throwing her arms around Len, she tried to just let herself feel.

  The princes of Insula joined in the merriment of dancing, as Illayda retreated back to their table. After Iver punished her yesterday, she’d snuck down to drop the Red Cedar into the batch of mash for the perfume. She let it sit as long as possible, then bottled it.